ETHÉART, Secretary of State of Foreign Affairs to Bassett, April 27, 1872

Mr. Ethéart to Mr. Bassett.

Mr. Minister: The mail from the north, which arrived this morning brought to the knowledge of my government a fact which took place at Cape Haytien, and to which I think it necessary to call your attention.

Friday, the 19th instant, at half past 11 o’clock in the forenoon, the authorities of Cape Haytien were informed that a long-boat, well manned, had just landed at the Careenage, a howitzer mounted on a gun-carriage with wheels. The captain of the port of that city went to the said place and saw the men of the long-boat re-embark the howitzer; and proceed to the Nantasket, the American man-of-war at anchor in the harbor of Cape Haytien.

The commander of the department of the north hastened to give notice of what had just taken place to the consul of the United States at Cape Haytien. This latter official in response said that Commander Carpenter of the American steamer had no other object in landing the piece of artillery than to assure himself of the time that it would take to accomplish this movement; that the commander had no intention of failing in a proper regard toward the Haytian authorities, and that he Would infinitely regret: it if the fact should give rise to any such interpretation.

Now, while accepting favorably these explanations, my government nevertheless feels itself in duty bound to relate to you the circumstances of the lauding of that howitzer, at the port of a city scarcely recovered from the emotion caused by the grave events which have just taken place there.

The landing of that howitzer might have given rise to some regrettable incidents; as the population of Cape Haytien, and the authorities of that city, were entirely ignorant as to who the parties were who were engaged in that operation; neither did they know in what intention it was performed.

My government, Mr. Minister, feels persuaded that, in your constant desire to strengthen our good relations, you will take all the necessary measures to avoid the repetition of an incident so regrettable.

It is in this expectation that I have the honor, Mr. Minister, to pray you to accept the renewed assurance of my very high consideration.